African Battery

[NoStepOnSnek]

I have a buffalo/plains game hunt coming up next year split between Free State and Limpopo. Figured I’d discuss my battery and see what yall thought

Buffalo Gun:
Ruger No.1 458 Win Mag
450 Grain North Fork SS/CPS combo
Trijicon 1-6
Shooting softball sized groups off sticks at 50 yards with SS/CPS mixed group

Plains Game:
Ruger No.1 30-06 or 7x57
Both topped with a Leupold 1-4
Trying to find the preferred round for both still
30-06 does not like 180gr Oryx
7x57 doesn’t like the 140 gr I ran through it
Also have to decide which one to take

Open for any ammo suggestions and to see what yall are running these days

 

[Flipper Dude]

You’re good to go. Hold your water on the buffalo. I shoot the 180g Barnes TSX. Might try them in your rifles.

 

[Red Leg]

And if you one and only shot at your buffalo is the last day at 70-80 yards where you have to thread a shot through a four-inch opening in the brush? A softball sized group at fifty yards would seem better described as a pattern. Assuming the SS is accurate, I would make that my choice, sight my rifle in at 100 yards, and go kill a buffalo. I do just that with TSX or A Frames.

 

[375Fox]

I’d talk to your outfitter about expected plains game shot distances. I think you’ll want something more than a 4x scope for 200-300 yards. Plenty of good factory ammo options for 30/06. Federal trophy bonded tip or terminal ascent, barnes TSX/TTSX, Nosler Accubond.

 

[Letzhunt]

The North Fork 450 SS is the only bullet you will need. They penetrate like mad so you won’t need the solids. Mine was also out of a 458 wm st about 2400 fps it went over 45” to 50” at expanded diameter of .879” the bullet weighed 436 grains. Talk about performance. I would sight that bullet in at 100 and you should have a better group than that. I realize you are shooting off sticks but shoot that thing off a bench for a few rounds to get a good zero and get confident. The only variable should be you when your nerves are up. The equipment should be proofed before you go. I assume you are hand loading it yourself? AA2230 or exterminator powder gets those going well.

 

[Dan458]

Great battery, almost identical to mine: a .30-06 and a .458 Lott.

In my .30-06 I'm running either the 168gr Federal Trophy Bonded Tip or the 180gr Barnes TTSX. Both have performed very well, but if I were heading to Africa I'd be loading the 180gr Barnes. It's a tough, reliable bullet that gives excellent penetration and weight retention on larger plains game.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I have a buffalo/plains game hunt coming up next year split between Free State and Limpopo. Figured I’d discuss my battery and see what yall thought

Buffalo Gun:
Ruger No.1 458 Win Mag
450 Grain North Fork SS/CPS combo
Trijicon 1-6
Shooting softball sized groups off sticks at 50 yards with SS/CPS mixed group

Plains Game:
Ruger No.1 30-06 or 7x57
Both topped with a Leupold 1-4
Trying to find the preferred round for both still
30-06 does not like 180gr Oryx
7x57 doesn’t like the 140 gr I ran through it
Also have to decide which one to take

Open for any ammo suggestions and to see what yall are running these days

am liking your plains game gun a lot. But I would consider increasing your buff gun power to a 458 Lott. Then make sure your PH has a serious stopping gun, like a 470 double or a 500 something.